Top 10 best TV moments of 2012

From the Olympics to The X Factor, 2012 has given us some quality TV. Here’s our round up of the ten best small screen moments.

Sherlock – The Reichenbach Fall

Fans witnessed Sherlock fake his own death in the last episode of the second series (Picture: BBC)

Fans of the show were thrilled by the second series of the British drama, particularly when they watched its hero Sherlock seemingly plummet to his death at the end of The Reichenbach Fall. Things took an interesting turn when the sleuth appeared in the cemetery as his best friend John Watson sobbed over his headstone.
The show sparked a country-wide debate as to how Sherlock had managed to pull off the stunt and left viewers baying for series three.

Downton Abbey – Sybil’s death

Downton Abbey fans were distraught by the death of Lady Sybil (Picture: ITV)

Probably the most shocking moment of the entire third series was when the youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham died during childbirth, least of all because no one saw it coming.

The worst part was the fact that Sybil seemed to come through giving birth to her child alright, and even got to hold her baby and have a brief conversation with Cora before going to sleep.

Later in the episode the nation was distraught as the family crowded around Sybil’s bed in the middle of the night and watched her die from eclampsia, leaving Branson to raise their daughter alone.

The X Factor – Tulisa’s fag ash breath

Tempers flared on one X Factor live show when Tulisa criticised Gary over Christopher Maloney’s performance on the programme last month. The Take That frontman –probably more in defence of himself than his act – retorted by saying: ‘I don’t know what’s offended me more – what you’ve said or your fag ash breath’. Some cold water for that burn, Tulisa?

Yes the insult was childish and personal, but it made for brilliant TV – particularly fellow judge Louis Walsh’s expression seconds after Gary burned the N-Dubz frontwoman, which was a cross between utter shock and ‘oh no he didn’t!’.

I’m A Celebrity – David Haye showering

David Haye sets pulses racing as he showers on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! (Picture: ITV)

For those who had had enough of seeing Helen Flanagan soaking wet, David displayed the benefits of all his boxing training whenever he stripped off. Shame there wasn’t a Bushtucker trial based on looking smoking hot in the nude – David would have kept the camp in meals the entire time. Even his campmate Brian Conley wanted a piece of the Hayemaker.

Emmerdale – Emmerdale’s live episode

For the show’s 40th anniversary the cast and crew put on a special live episode to mark the occasion, which featured two weddings, two births and a funeral.

Katie and Declan tied the knot, as did Chas and her rebound man Dan; meanwhile Gennie Walker gave birth to her daughter and Debbie Dingle gave birth to a son.

The episode also saw the departure of the Dales’ resident prince of darkness Carl King, who was bumped off by Cameron to stop him blackmailing the mechanic about his affair with Chas. And Carl yelling ‘I’m indestructible’ just before Cameron smashed the back of his head in with a brick was telly gold.

Homeland – Brody’s confession tape is discovered

It was frustrating knowing that Nicholas Brody was a terrorist long before any of the characters (who weren’t Carrie) did, but finally, FINALLY, in series 2 we saw Saul stumble upon an ominous video of the troubled soldier admitting he attempted to blow up prominent political figures at the end of series one.

Just to keep us on the edge of our seats, the episode ended just as the tape played, leaving viewers screaming in frustration and venting their pent up rage on Twitter.

John wins Great British Bake Off

John Whaite was crowned winner of Great British Bake Off this year (Picture: BBC)

John was sort of the underdog in the GBBO final, especially when compared with the cool and slightly smug James and his collection of knitwear that he was determined to make as iconic as Bradley Wiggins’ sideburns.

It was heart-warming to watch him celebrate with his mum and friends upon being crowned the winner – and deep down he was just a boy who simply wanted to make him mum proud. Bless.

The Thick of It –Malcolm Tucker’s final moments

Malcolm Tucker’s parting shot in the final episode of The Thick Of It was understated and genius (Picture: BBC)

The rest of the episode was as hilarious as the rest of the series, but what was really worth remembering about the show was Malcolm Tucker’s last line.

Tucker is known for not being short of anything to say (“you f**king human Moon Cup”, anyone?) so when he was escorted in front of a horde of press, one expected something extremely caustic and witty for the cameras.

Instead, Tucker requested to be allowed to say something, only to pause and mutter ‘Doesn’t matter’ before being hauled into a cab. One of the many moments from the series that stays with you.

Strictly Come Dancing- Richard Arnold fluffs his footwork

Poor Richard. It was all going so well until the energetic TV host seemed to forget what he was doing during his foxtrot. Clearly mouthing the steps to himself, it was up to professional dancing partner Erin Boag to remind Arnold of the routine. Sadly the mistake cost him and he ended up in the bottom two that week.

The Olympics

It would be very hard to single out which moment of the Olympics and Paralympics was the greatest, so we haven’t.

2012 saw an amazing summer of sport reach TV screens all around the country, packed full of athletes making telly gold: Jessica Ennis, David Weir, Mo Farah, Victoria Pendleton, Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins just to name a few.

Both the opening and closing ceremonies were a treat, too; with the likes of The Spice Girls, The Who, One Direction and Jessie J celebrating the best of British music, and Coldplay, Jay Z and Rihanna all rocking out at the Paralympic closing ceremony.

And who can ever forget the Queen herself popping up alongside Daniel Craig’s James Bond before ‘parachuting’ into the Olympic stadium during the Games’ opener. Classic.

Do you agree with our choices? What was your favourite TV moment of 2012? Let us know in the comments.